I regret not watching this sooner! (Minor minor minor spoilers)
I kept pushing this off for the longest time, and as I neared the end of my BL binge and didn't have much else left to watch, I finally decided to give this a try. To be honest, I am not a fan of the whole heart transplant thing, it always seems to messy and complicated and takes away from the romance. Thankfully, P'Aof handled it tastefully. For a BL the plot was definitely unique and I can happily say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. But my favorite part of this drama has to be the characters, and I'm not just talking about the main leads. Every character was well fleshed out and interesting. I loved seeing the village interact with each other and the leads and never felt like they were taking up too much screen time.The chemistry between EarthMix is just WOW! I could feel it through my screen just with glances and brief touches. They absolutely killed me. I have seen Earth before in other dramas, and always enjoyed when he was on screen, so had an absolute thrill watching him as the main lead in this series. Although his character was a little static in the way it was written, I think he did a really good job. And Mix, damn! Hard to believe this is his first acting role. He did so amazingly well, I am blown away. Tian's character growth was a sight to behold and I love the journey that both he and the viewers were taken on. To see him go from this spoiled entitled brat who was mad at the world, to a man who has found his happiness and is thankful to be alive was such an emotional journey, and Mix really did an amazing job in portraying Tian's emotions.
The only thing, and this is literally the only thing I didn't like was Phupha's behavior towards the end. I think he had no right and was unfair to Tian. Other than that I have zero complaints, except maybe for Phupha's fake beard, lol.
Since this is a slow burn romance drama, I don't think I would be able to sit and rewatch it all over again. Maybe if I feel like it, might rewatch a couple scenes but nothing else. But if you are a first time watcher and unsure about starting it, just give it a try. I promise you will not have any regrets.
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Beautiful story, beautifully acted
I am late to the party on this one but I'm so glad I watched it. Once I started I had such a hard time stopping even to go to bed. Gorgeous setting, great acting, wonderful story. There are just no bad things I can think of to say about this title. Amazing job to all the cast and crew! This story puts you through the wringer in the best way, leaving you emotionally satisfied at the end. I don't generally like to cry, but I already know I'm going to be revisiting this even though I know certain parts will make me reach for the tissues. I won't be able to let go of this one for a long time.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Nice Different BL
This BL was really different and unique. I personally really liked the uniqueness of the plot. I shed a lot of tears watching this as the message in this was really hard hitting. I think that both Tian and Phupha’s relationship was really good for the both of them and really needed. Many think that Phupha actually fell in live with Torfurn but i do not agree, in the end Tian found who he really was.Tian! The story behind Tian i found a little confusing but as the episodes went on it was very well explained. I liked how basically the whole story was Tian finding who he really is, with the help of Phupha. Having being brought up in a high class area he wasn’t used to all the things the village had compared to what he had. But i think that’s what made Tian fit in more, they just wanted him to be like them. In the beginning Tian was shy about being in a new village but in the end due to finding himself he, was confident and he fit in perfectly.
Phupha! Wow. Phupha’s character was really amazing. He taught Tian a lot of things and spend days with him which was nice and brought them together. He clearly cared for both Torfurn, even at the end. But Tian really stood out for him because of his difference.
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She came, she saw, she conquered.
THIS. IS. WHY. I. CAME. HERE.I've been in this Thai BL drama world for a little over four years (as of the writing of this review) and it's a little sad to come to the realization that, after all this time and all of these dramas, I can only count the good ones with one hand. This one, fortunately, is on that list. This is what happens when quality triumphs over quantity. That's the best description I can give to someone about "A Tale of Thousand Stars."
~Story:
Captivating. It did have a very slow start, but things gradually ran at a better pace once the main story began unfolding and pieces were falling into place. My favorite part is that it feels like a coming-of-age story without the usual coming-of-age tropes. There's this sense of leaving an era, a part of who you were behind and taking those hard steps towards the future as you self-discover, learn, and eventually grow as a human being.
I was so relieved that this wasn't set at an university because that trope is so beyond tired already. This setting was actually one of my favorites we have had because there's just something so tranquilizing about rural Thailand that makes me feel at ease, and it helped set the tone for the whole series. Showing the hardships of living in poor conditions and the constant hard work of the residents became an allegory for the main's self-discovery.
Now, something that really struck me in the right way was how subtle the relationship between the two mains was. It was not an on-your-face type of BL, but you can tell that the writers wanted the plot to be the main focus of this story and the romance a nice extra to add a little extra flavor to it. Excellent work.
~Cast:
There are ups and downs. Luckily, there are more ups and very few downs.
-Tian: I don't think he did a bad job, but we had some moments in which his acting was just plain. There were lack of facial expressions at certain scenes where those were very necessary to express the required feelings successfully. However, for the most part, he understood the assignment. I specially loved Mix's acting on the last couple of episodes because his emotions were raw and came at the right level of intensity to not overpower the scene. Very balanced.
-Phupha: You know what, I have my fair share of dislike towards this actor. Earth was just born with this fucking facial expression that makes him look like he hates being there and I always thought he never looked good with any other actor he was paired with. That being said, I have to admit this is his best role and truly the only work of his that I genuinely enjoyed. I believed he was Phupha and that is the main goal of every actor out there, so props to you for finally finding your role. There were some scenes that looked quite "staged," but he did a good job overall. I mean, those last episodes were some of the best episodes I have ever seen from a BL.
~Direction and Writing:
One of the bests out there. I mean, the vision was so strong from the very first episode that it easily captivates the viewer. The pacing was nice and fluid. Flashbacks were perfectly placed revealing only the necessary little by little. Editing was consistently good. Honestly, I could just go on for hours about how well made this drama was, but I don't wanna take much of your time that you can be spending watching the drama instead.
Sis, this show has everything: Life and death, love that can't be requited, self-discovery, crime and justice, hard nipples, promises, wishes, longings, and so much more. Are you hungry for some good drama? Look no more cuz she is the moment. I one hundred percent recommend it.
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A New Standard for BL
Let me just say that I haven't really cried for a movie/series (BL or otherwise) in a loooonggg time, and that's coming from someone who doesn't really get emotional quickly. This one is different and at the same time very good. I haven't watched a ton of BLs, but this is definitely the best I had so far. The story and the setting are just a breath of fresh air. The actors and the characters they portray are also excellent, so much so that you'd get attached to them as you watch the series. I don't really mind at all the limited skinship, it's one of the few BLs where less is more and once we got it, it was really executed well, maybe even better that others who have tons of skinship/kiss. Plus, the chemistry between the two leads (EarthMix) is topnotch. And lastly, the OST. I just fell in love with it and is definitely my new favorite. The song about the wind (don't know the title) has also a really good lyrics/meaning and I like how emotional it is.Was this review helpful to you?
This one broke the mold !
First of all I wanna say how this BL tried something different than the typical BL university formula and did something outside of it. It might not be the most unique story out there a BL can do, but that’s only a small flaw about this BL. The chemistry between EarthMix is incredible, both were grow into their roles and bring to life the characters very well. Earth is just such a great BL actor. I like how every BL role he does is different than the last. For this being Mix’s first BL role he defiantly looked like he was meant for this role. The supporting cast is good as well. I liked how the setting was in a province more or less and not just a big city in Thailand. The theme song make me feel all warm inside defiantly like the soft pop vibes to it. If your looking to watch a great Thai BL, this one of the few you should start off with !Was this review helpful to you?
There are a thousand reasons to watch this.
Does your heart feel the emotions or does your brain feel them? I've never asked myself this question but this drama gave me all the answers I didn't know I needed- through its stars (pun intended)- Torfun, Tian, Phupha and the kids. In many ways, this show is a lot better than the road trip movies I've watched about finding ourselves- what we want and why- with regards to the change in perspective of life this story talks about. The heart transplant didn't just change something inside of Tian physically, it was also a life altering event mentally and emotionally. This series explores the complex emotions of this young adult and his responses to them.On paper, this is a very routine drama- an accident, a heart transplant, the survivor guilt and love blossoming between the donor's crush and the recipient. But the core of the plot lies in the subtext and that makes this drama extraordinarily beautiful. Amply complemented by soothing melodies and eyes that speak everything the lips don't, A Tale of Thousand Stars is a wonderful journey into the life of one Tian and the literal change of heart he has. It's a credit to the writer/director that they made the most of this literal and metaphorical transformation and dished out a feel good romance that can be easily re-watched time and again. There's nothing outstandingly thought provoking in either the diary entries of Torfun or the wisdom the village chief keeps imparting but they are subtle and gentle reminders of life and its unpredictability. I simply love how the show achieves this by being emphatic in an undidactic way.
The story flows smoothly. The cinematography helps keep the rustic feel of the show intact. There are a few downs to the show as well and a few sequences that threatened the possibility of predictability in the remaining episodes but thankfully, they're only chosen to be plot forwarding devices. I could have done without them but at least, they remain in the background for a large part. I think the makers believed they needed to show something for making forest officers out of the other lead and his friends and I'm glad they stopped where it was no longer necessary. I also had issues with drinking after a heart surgery, which was honestly the only illogical thing in the entire show. The last two episodes could have been shortened to seem less like the long drawn out goodbye they were but these are just small hiccups.
Every character is well made, though there is not a lot of feminine representation here- Torfun carries that burden alone for most of the story. Also, can I ask Phupha to loan me Dr. Nam to be my friend? He's a gem of a human, and a doctor. Some are seasoned actors and some are just beginners but you wouldn't know that if you didn't read their bios. The actors are delightful and never overuse any expression in this emotion rich film.
In a nutshell, this drama is an amazing story that is equal parts simple and meaningful, that is worth your every watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
So, I spent most of the time worrying about Tian's health and his/Torfun's heart, smh. How is he not dead again is only by the miracle of this being a show. If the dad knows where he is, how could he not warn the chief about all the million things Tian is supposed to NOT be doing??Story is great and intense, emotionally. I understand Tian being all lost and guilty, trying to find a purpose in his life; he's such an interesting character and I want to wrap him in a blanket, hug him and never let go. Mix did such an amazing job at portraying Tian.
I find the response to Torfun's death and Tian's involvement in it a little too exaggerated, tbh. She stayed in the village (iirc) for a month? Is that enough to love her like she's one of them and hate Tian even after all he had done for the people? Or are they just having the mob mentality of not going near a -presumed- murderer?
At the very least, the village elder and the rangers should have asked for explanation from Tian.
Earth is gorgeous and him taking off his shirt at the waterfall was a masterpiece :p
But Phupha really need to do better by Tian.
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Gmmtv's master piece
One of the best bl series. Its a full package of romance, comedy, sacrifice, inspiration all in one. All the cast were living in their own role and i can't imagine anyone other than mix for the role of tian. I fell in love with him the first time i saw him, he was just amazing. We can feel the pain of each character. And ofcourse earth was simply brilliant as always.After watching the whole series i felt pain, happiness all at once. I can't even explain how much this Series had inspired me to live a happy life with what we have.
A truly heartwarming story with perfect direction. And the places, visuals, the people all will bring joy by just watching it. Throughout this series we will get to see more of nature, villagers, animals and its really soothe our heart.
This series is perfect without long kisses or too much skinship. Its simple and that's i like about this series. If you don't watch this series you'll surely regret about this later.
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This review may contain spoilers
Way more than a shippable couple
It’s important to mention that 1000 stars goes beyond the romance and the couple. It’s undeniable that Mix and Earth is a pairing that works perfectly well. Their chemistry on screen is off the charts.Going into the plot, I feel like it would have been nice to see more of old Tian besides the gambling and street racing. But I understand that he show doesn’t want to show him in a bad light because we are supposed to like him. I enjoyed the village and it’s characters. I’m glad that not everything went well for Tian and that people didn’t forgive him easily after the “truth” came out. I thought that we’d have more supernatural stuff regarding the heart, maybe with Torfun communicating with Tian, but that wouldn’t fit the show.
The romance is very slow burning, and it makes sense for the relationship, but I feel like we could have gotten something before their fight and separation. I’m not 100% sure the whole dad knew all along thing was done well.
I have a hard time believing stories that forget they are happening on the 21st century, even in remote locations. Even before the “happy ending”, it’s not like Tian could never visit the village again. The “half of the couple travels to another country in the last episode” is my most hated cliche, but it has some reasoning in this case. Tian traveling to the US to do what he wants, on his terms, by himself is very important for the character’s development.
As much as I like Mix and Earth together, and the characters, I personally don’t think a second season would work well.
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A tale that continues
Even though I have watched and rewatched this series many times, my eyes still tears up everytime I listened to the OST. Although I’ve since watched probably 50+ different BL series, this is still remains my forever No1. I admit I wasn’t attracted to the poster when I first saw it on youtube, neither was I overly impressed by the episode 1, and I almost missed out on the best love story of this century.The chemistry between Phupha and Tian drawn me right in the moment they meet, and my heart flutters thinking of the little glances they steal for each other, their little cute flirts, and my love for them grows throughout the series. I still remember how much I cried during episode 9 and 10!! ??. To find a love like PhuphaTian is a dream come true. This is a story tale that indeed remain unchanged no matter how many times it is retold.
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cried for hours, real amazing shit over here T_T
this series is just, peak of GMMTV. It's story is number one not cliché, number two so interesting, the love between the main couple is so realistically timed, the pain was shown soooo well, I just can't get over it. I cried until 2 am last night when I finished this so i literally have no energy to make this review long. Just trust me when I say this is top tier. There's not a lot of skinship but to me that adds to the realism of having a crush on somebody, flirting, but knowing it will only lead to being a crush and no more, and the ending was just, phenomenal, the side characters are so funny, its so beautiful and I will cry again if I keep remembering it T_T 10/10 series, top tier, amazing, wonderful, beautiful, please watch itWas this review helpful to you?
